What is acupuncture and how does it work?

A Modern Scientific Perspective

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s own regulatory systems — particularly the nervous system.

When a very fine needle is inserted into specific acupuncture points, it activates sensory receptors in the skin and muscle. These receptors send signals to the spinal cord and brain. This triggers a cascade of measurable physiological responses

Research shows acupuncture can:

Regulate the Nervous System

Acupuncture helps shift the body out of “fight or flight” mode (sympathetic activation) and into “rest and repair” mode (parasympathetic activation).
This can reduce stress, ease muscle tension, improve sleep, and support recovery.

Stimulate Natural Pain Relief

Needling encourages the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals such as serotonin and enkephalins. These substances reduce pain perception and promote a sense of wellbeing.

Improve Blood Flow and Tissue Healing

Acupuncture increases local circulation in the area being treated. Improved blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues, helping reduce inflammation and support healing.

Influence Hormonal and Immune Function

Studies suggest acupuncture can help regulate stress hormones such as cortisol and modulate immune activity, supporting the body’s ability to maintain balance.

A Regulating Therapy

Rather than forcing the body to do something unnatural, acupuncture stimulates the body’s own self-healing mechanisms. It helps restore communication between the brain, nervous system, hormones, and tissues — allowing the system to regulate itself more effectively.

This is why acupuncture can be helpful for a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain to stress-related disorders.

You can think of acupuncture points as access points to the nervous system. In Chinese Medicine we describe it as regulating Qi — but in modern terms, we’re influencing how the brain and body communicate. When that communication improves, the body can regulate itself better



• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Eczema and Psoriasis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuropathic pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Obstetrics
• Osteoarthritis
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Stress
• Tennis elbow
• Vertigo